We played 2-3 players with injury, informs Juan Ferrando after defeat

The Gaurs took a lead early in the game only to throw it away.

FC Goa ended up on the losing side against Persepolis FC in their third AFC Champions League match. Juan Ferrando and his men showed a lot of unity yet again. However, due to a few mistakes, including two penalties, the opposition found it easier to manage the game. The contest had several important talking points, such as the skipper's goal, Dheeraj Singh Moirangthem’s penalty save and more.

The tactician talked about all of the highlights from the game during the post-match media interaction:

Reaction to match

Juan Ferrando spoke about the game which saw his side tasting defeat for the first time in the competition. He said, “Persepolis is one the best teams in Asia. They are a very good team, it was a very good experience. Of course, I am not happy.

"We made a lot of mistakes in passes, in press, losing the ball in some situations easily. The players were very tired, we played 2-3 players with an injury on the pitch.”

Looking Ahead

The tactician insisted that they need to improve and recover in time for a second showdown with the Iranian club. He explained, “Now, for me, most important is the recovery. Because in two days we will play another time with Persepolis. I hope to improve in more details because at the most important thing is the players trying to do their best on the pitch. Playing against Persepolis, it's only possible to say good words about (them) because they are a very good team.

“I was saying in the dressing room that it's time to prepare a new plan, the most important is the psychology of the dressing room. We know we're in the Champions League, we know we need to improve on more points, we know that recovery is very important because in 48 hours we have another game.” he further added in this context.

Thoughts on refereeing

FC Goa gave away two soft penalties in addition to receiving several bookings. Speaking in regard to the refereeing decisions on the night, Juan Ferrando said, “Normally, it's time to talk about referee’s decisions when you have chances. To be realistic, my team is tired, my team is at the end of it’s season where they want to think about holidays. We have had to work in the last three games like a team because it's very important to fight in every game. 

“About referees, for example two days ago against Al Wahda we had a good opportunity but no, I don’t think it’s a good time to talk about the referees,” the 40-year-old further explained. 

Fans could have motivated players

The Spaniard agreed that the presence of the fans could have helped the players who were fatigued from previous matches. He was quoted saying, “Today, after half-time many players told me ‘Juan, my legs are not okay to play.’

"Glan (Martins) was running on low battery, Edu (Bedia) was fighting all the time but was very tired, Jorge (Ortiz) the same. We needed to take care of Ishan (Pandita). In this moment when your legs are not ready, maybe the supporters can make you work more.”

Need for improvement in fitness

Ferrando concluded by talking about the need to condition the squad better in terms of fitness. Although there are not major injuries to report, the Gaurs are clearly looking fatigued. The tactician added, “If you want to participate at the same level against these teams, of course we need to improve more.”

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